Eudy Simelane Murderer Gets Life Imprisonment.

The long awaited judgment in the murder trial of lesbian activists and former Banyana Banyana player Eudy Simelane was concluded today in Delmas.Khumbulane Magagula,Johannes Mahlangu and Themba Mvubu faced the charges of robbery with aggravating circumstances,rape and murder Simelane.Thato Mphiti was convicted of the same crimes in February 2009 for the same crimes to 32 years imprisonment.

Judge Ratha Mokgoathleng acquitted Magagula and Mahlangu based on three State witnesses who testified that the two were there but "did nothing" to Simelane.The Judge said there was no evidence before the court that warrant him to convict them of any of the four charges they face.

Judge Mokgoathleng found Mvubu guilty of murder, rape and accomplice to rape.In an interesting judgement, the Judge confessed that the hardest question he faced was whether Mphiti was telling the truth when he took the witness stand. In his analysis and conviction of Mvubu he said if Mpithi was chasing after one of Simelane's friend, Mvubu must have been holding her to prevent her getting away.

Recalling on evidence given, Judge Mokgoathleng said Mvubu had instructed Mpithi to kill her because he knows her and "she knows who I am", an intension to 'conceal evidence'.The Judge said Simelane was a well known athlete and soccer player.

Judge Mokgoathleng sentenced Mvubu with life imprisonment for murder, 15 years for robbery with aggravating circumstances and 20 years for being an accomplice to what he said to be gang rape.

Whilst this sentence was welcomed by family, community members and most activists,the acquittal of Magagula and Mahlangu was seen as disappointing. In a post trial celebration in Kwa-Thema, activists said at least they should have been charged for doing nothing to save Simelane's life.

The Lesbian and Gay Equality Project expressed relief at the conclusion of the trial,thanked everyone who has supported the mobilisations and campaign to ensure justice and called on all to support the long journey to ensure an egalitarian society.